When was the château de Saint-Gelais built?

The present château was erected between 1507 and 1558 on a site occupied since the 12th century, though its layout was altered after the demolition of lateral wings in 1918.

Which elements are listed as historical monuments?

The façades and roofs, the tower's spiral staircase, five historic fireplaces (four on the ground floor), and French ceiling treatments have been protected since 1978.

What remains of the original château?

The lateral wings were sold off in 1918, but the main building survives with its interior ornaments: staircase, Renaissance fireplaces, and the hexagonal corner turret that once marked the junction of a perpendicular wing.

Château de Saint-Gelais

Saint-Gelais Castle

Saint-Gelais

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Saint-Gelais

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Sleep nearby

château le Petit ChêneAccommodation on site14 km

Château de Saint-Gelais stands in Saint-Gelais (Deux-Sèvres), in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 16th century). The building is privately owned and no visits are on record.

Built in the 16th century on the site of a fief documented since 1109, the château de Saint-Gelais displays Renaissance features including ornamental roof dormers and mullioned windows. The building lost its lateral wings in 1918, yet retains its hexagonal corner turret and interior ornaments: a spiral staircase with mixed stone and wooden cores, Renaissance fireplaces on the ground floor, and French ceiling treatments.

What to know

Visiting hours and conditions are not specified: contact the site before planning your visit.
The château underwent major destruction in 1918 that affected its original layout.
The architectural interest lies in interior decoration and the corner turret rather than building scale.
The spiral staircase and ground floor fireplaces are the most notable features to observe.

Where this château is

Saint-Gelais · Deux-Sèvres · Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Map of the area around Château de Saint-Gelais

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

75 Rue Raoul Gaignard, 79410 Saint-Gelais

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

Get directions View on a map

Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00101332
Period of construction: 16th century

Frequently asked

When was the château de Saint-Gelais built?: The present château was erected between 1507 and 1558 on a site occupied since the 12th century, though its layout was altered after the demolition of lateral wings in 1918.
Which elements are listed as historical monuments?: The façades and roofs, the tower's spiral staircase, five historic fireplaces (four on the ground floor), and French ceiling treatments have been protected since 1978.
What remains of the original château?: The lateral wings were sold off in 1918, but the main building survives with its interior ornaments: staircase, Renaissance fireplaces, and the hexagonal corner turret that once marked the junction of a perpendicular wing.